Crackdown on gangs

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis is getting tough on gang crime in Minneapolis, using the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute to target three of the largest, most violent street gangs in the city. This week 45 people have been charged for conspiring to commit murder, robbery, drug conspiracy and gun crimes. The RICO statute, first passed in the 1970s to bring down organized crime families, allows prosecutors to take on the gangs for organized criminal activity. The indictments are targeting members of two Minneapolis gangs — the Highs and the Bloods — and more charges are expected against a third — the Lows. Minnesotans have been viewing with alarm the growing trend of violence and criminal activity in Minneapolis. Minneapolis is where we go to see professional sports events, concerts and plays, or to hold business meetings. Our kids go there to attend colleges or get jobs afterward. We don’t want to worry about running afoul of gang activity or gunfire. We applaud the initiative being taken to apply the RICO statute to these criminals.

NUAF grants

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The New Ulm Area Foundation announced its spring grants this week. The foundation, which raises money and endowments for a New Ulm community fund, awarded $67,900 in grants to eight different groups and projects. The largest grant, $50,000, was given to the State Street Theater Co. to help it renew and upgrade the theater building. The foundation started with a $100,000 donation from Henry Somsen in memory of his wife Anne. it has grown with the creation of Bill Macklin Fund, the Nuvera Fund, and the Dr. James and Jane Seifert Fund. The interest generated by the endowed funds is used for grants in the spring and the fall, for projects and organizations that better New Ulm. Congratulations to the Foundation, and thanks to all who have supported it over the years with donations.

Safer intersection

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The intersection of First North and Garden Streets has long been seen as a problematic one. It is located next to Harman Park and its ball fields and outdoor skating rinks. It gets used by lots of kids during summer and winter, and it is close to two of New Ulm’s busier streets — Center Street and Garden. This week members of Heart of New Ulm, Safe Routes to School and other members of the Coalition for Active Safe and Healthy Streets (CASHS) helped install and paint new safety features at the intersections, features that bump out the corner curbs and create a pedestrian island in the middle of the road. The goal is to slow traffic down and give pedestrians a safer chance to cross. These installations are temporary, but if they prove successful they could become permanent in the future. We hope motorists will accept this project and drive more carefully.